Salwar Kameez suggestions

[beerdrinkinlass]

I recently got the go-ahead from my boss to purchase a couple of these for some upcoming conferences. If you're not familiar, the outfit consists of a knee length tunic (kameez), loose fitting pants that are long enough to pool at the ankles (salwar), and a scarf (dupatta). They are typically worn with shoes like thesePros of the salwar kameez

Comments

[sapphirescarlet]

I wish I could comment more but I'm on my way to a meeting. However, those are the most incredibly beautiful clothes and shoes I've ever seen. OMGOMGOMG

[beerdrinkinlass]

Yeah, the shoes are what really sold me. So sparkly!!

[kukla_red]

I have always LOVED this kind of clothing and have longed for a place to purchase it so THANK YOU for posting this link.

I have had conversations with Indian women about this topic: would it be disrespectful of me (a white Jewish woman who has no connection with this ethnic group) to wear this clothing and I have been told that no one would be offended at all.

Now I'm going to get busy on that web site!

[beerdrinkinlass]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm really trying to work on my own internal white privilege so it's important to me to try to remember to keep these things in mind.

You're welcome for the link. There are other sellers on ebay that sell them, too...just type in salwar kameez in the search box for other styles and fabrics.

And try not to buy all of the 2Xs. ;)

[kukla_red]

lol - I just bought 2 outfits. Don't worry - there is plenty left for you! These are SO beautiful! I had to stop at 2 - I wanted more! Some of them a very formal. There is a white one that looks like it would be a beautiful wedding outfit and a couple that would be perfect for formal parties.

Ooo! I can't wait!

[beerdrinkinlass]

Did you buy them from that same seller? If so, please do let me know how your experience goes with regard to shipping time, fit, and quality.

[chade66]

Having purchased things from India in the past, remember the shipping is very slow sometimes. The first skirt I order, by the time it came, I had completely forgotten that I had ordered it until I saw the package.

Try to buy from someone who is well established, start with small purchases at first to build a relationship with the seller before you buy things that are really expensive.

[beerdrinkinlass]

Thank you for that advice. My conferences are not until the fall, so I will hopefully get them in time! :)

[elizawrites]

A white friend of mine occasionally wears Salwar Kameez, but her husband is Pakistani and I know she spends a lot of time in Pakistan. I personally would not feel comfortable as a white person wearing them.

[onceupon]

I kind of second this. I spent a month in India and wore them while I was there because it was the most appropriate clothing. But I haven't worn them since I've been back - it just doesn't seem respectful.

Interestingly, the shoes don't concern me as much. Like, the clothing feels appropriative when I think about wearing it but not the shoes. Huh.

[beerdrinkinlass]

Why doesn't it seem respectful? Did you get this from the folks you spoke with in India while you were there? I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I'm looking for experience-based opinions, not just feelings. I'm sincerely interested because I certainly don't want to wear something that has inclusive meaning to a certain culture (like the items mentioned in asryal's post.

And what is the difference between the outfits and the shoes in your mind?

[onceupon]

The salwar kameez is traditional cultural clothing. Its lack of religious significance doesn't remove its cultural identification. I wore it in India because otherwise I attracted a LOT of stares and caused disruption even though I was careful to dress extremely modestly

[jenn_girl]

I think they're beautiful. I wear other clothes from India, but they are more of the holy clothing variety which is sort of hippy/boho in style. I have asked the people I know who are from there, and they are happy to see their culture becomming more mainstream, but as someone said above, they don't speak for everyone. I worry about upsetting people, and about being viewed as inappropriate.